As the market for all things retro (i.e. from the ‘80s onwards) swells like an overinflated spare wheel left in the sun, so carmakers scramble to meet that growing desire with product. This surely accounts for Toyota’s decision to not only treat the venerable Land Cruiser 70 Series to its first significant facelift in 15 years, but also offer it for sale again in the JDM as a regular model. Certainly, it would not have done so if it did not believe there was an underlying appetite for a car that it considers the ‘direct descendent’ of the Toyota BJ.
In case you aren’t familiar with the 70 Series, the best way to think of it is as a Japanese Land Rover Defender. The parallels are all the more satisfying because Toyota kicked off production at almost the same time, and, aside from basic updates and a revolving door of engines, has simply continued to build the model ever since. Of course, while its legend is built on much the same peerless off-road ability that the Defender enjoys, the 70 Series' reputation is underwritten by supreme and indefatigable toughness. Which is why Toyota continues to sell it in parts of the world that back onto extremely inhospitable regions. Like Africa. And Australia.
"The Land Cruiser 70 Series has built up a loyal and passionate fanbase with customers drawn to its rugged styling and legendary off-road performance and this substantially upgraded model builds upon those strengths," commented Aussie Toyota exec, Sean Hanley.
"Now with a new powertrain including an automatic transmission for the first time, along with the significant increase in safety and convenience technology, the LC70 is an ideal vehicle for those working on the land or as a tool of trade and recreational users heading off on an outback adventure.”
You know you’re dealing with a monolith of man-strength when you discover that Toyota hasn’t actually offered the car with two pedals in one of its major markets since 1990. The new powertrain in question is a 204hp 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel mated to a six-speed automatic. However, likely guessing that it might sound too weak-spirited to appeal to the cork-hatted faithful, in Australia you’ll still be able to buy a 70 Series with a ‘proven’ oil-burning 4.5-litre V8 and five-speed manual. Across three Single Cab grades and two Double Cabs. Ripper.
Elsewhere Toyota has given the squared-off styling a surprisingly comprehensive makeover - based on the fact that it has completely redesigned the front end - although this is only really to make its references to the iconic 40 Series even more explicit. Underneath it all there’s the same ladder frame chassis and enough go-anywhere nous to put a rhino to shame. Except now you get a 6.7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay to go with it. Retro, done right.
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